WANA (Dec 08) – Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said his visit to Baku came at “a very appropriate time” to review relations between the two countries, stressing that no third party should be allowed to damage or negatively influence Tehran–Baku ties.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov in Baku, Araghchi also extended an official invitation for Bayramov to visit Tehran.
He said the main outcome of the trip was an agreement to expand dialogue, consultations, and diplomatic exchanges “to bring bilateral relations to a problem-free level and focus on further developing cooperation.”
Tehran Awaits Visits by President Aliyev and FM Bayramov
Araghchi said Iran is looking forward to hosting President Ilham Aliyev and Foreign Minister Bayramov in Tehran. He added that the two sides discussed the latest regional developments, including Israeli aggressions against countries in the region, including Iran.
Iran, Azerbaijan Agree on Expanding Regional Consultations
Araghchi said the ministers discussed developments in the Caucasus region and the 3+3 cooperation mechanism, emphasizing the need to secure peace and stability and prevent any foreign interference.
Araghchi Meets with President Ilham Aliyev in Baku
WANA (Dec 08) – Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi met with Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev this morning in Baku. Araghchi, who is currently in the Azerbaijani capital, held talks with President Aliyev on Monday morning, December 08, to discuss a wide range of bilateral issues, including political interactions, regional matters, and mechanisms for […]
He added that both sides agreed to hold trilateral meetings with other regional countries as part of broader consultations. “I believe this is a useful mechanism for expanding cooperation in the region,” he said, adding that Iran is determined to deepen relations with Azerbaijan “in all dimensions.”
Next 3+3 Meetings to Be Held in Baku and Yerevan
Commenting on Iran’s view of the 3+3 format, Araghchi said Tehran attaches “great importance” to the mechanism. He noted that it is not limited to Armenia–Azerbaijan issues, but is intended to promote political and economic cooperation and build stability across the entire region.
He welcomed recent progress in Armenia–Azerbaijan relations and said that, following a proposal by Baku, the next 3+3 meeting will be held in Baku, with the subsequent session to convene in Yerevan. “A stronger and more effective 3+3 mechanism will contribute to stability in the whole region,” he added.
Security Should Be Ensured by Regional Countries
Responding to a question on regional security, Araghchi said Iran and Azerbaijan are “fully serious” about ensuring stability and believe in regional security cooperation—which is also the foundation of the 3+3 format.
He stressed that security must be provided by regional countries, warning that any foreign interference is “destructive.” Both sides, he noted, share this view and will continue cooperating accordingly.
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi joint press conference with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov in Baku on December 08, 2025. Social media/ WANA News Agency
Rasht–Astara Railway Making Good Progress
Asked about the status of the Rasht–Astara railway project, Araghchi said the project has made “good progress,” with strong cooperation underway between Iran, Azerbaijan, and Russia.
He said the financing has been secured, and more than 50 percent of the preliminary groundwork has been completed. The project’s main construction phase is expected to begin next year.
No Peace Plan Should Undermine Palestinians’ Right to Self-Determination
On developments in Gaza and proposals for peace, Araghchi said Iran welcomes any initiative that leads to:
stopping the “crimes and killings” against Palestinians,
enabling humanitarian aid to Gaza, and
ending the occupation of Palestinian land.
He stressed that no plan or arrangement should undermine the Palestinian people’s inherent right to decide their own destiny or compromise their sovereignty over their land.
Prior to this joint press conference, the two foreign ministers met. During the meeting, Iran and Azerbaijan reviewed the status of their bilateral relations and exchanged views on ways to expand cooperation in areas including trade and economy, transportation, and energy.
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi met with the Azerbaijani Foreign Minister on December 08, 2025. Social media/ WANA News Agency
Iran’s foreign minister highlighted the deep historical, civilizational, cultural, and religious ties between the two countries, calling the shared determination of both nations’ leaders to strengthen mutual understanding and trust “highly valuable.” He stressed the need to fully seize this opportunity to further advance bilateral relations.
He also underscored the importance of peace and stability in the South Caucasus, noting that the Islamic Republic of Iran has consistently worked to promote lasting security in the region.
He said Iran has encouraged both Armenia and Azerbaijan to finalize a peace agreement and continues to view the 3+3 format as a useful platform for regional countries to safeguard stability in the Caucasus without foreign interference.
Azerbaijan’s foreign minister described the historic, cultural, civilizational, and religious bonds linking the two nations as a strong foundation for deepening bilateral ties and reaffirmed Baku’s readiness to enhance cooperation.
Other issues discussed included border security, combating transnational organized crime such as drug trafficking, transport and transit, energy cooperation, and following up on agreements reached between the two presidents during President Pezeshkian’s recent visit to Baku.